General Introduction

The Dodge Stratus was a mid-sized, 4-door sedan introduced in 1995 and was based on the Chrysler JA platform. The Dodge Stratus along with its twins, the Chrysler Cirrus and Plymouth Breeze were all on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best List for 1996 and 1997. Although it received critical acclaim at the onset, its ratings fell over time resulting to the end of its production in early 2006. Its Sterling Heights Assembly Plant built 1,308,123 Stratus and Sebrings since 2000. The Dodge Avenger will replace the Stratus nameplate this year

Performance And Engines

The Dodge Stratus or Avenger, as it is now called comes in 3.5L V6 engine with Autostick. It also has a 2.7L V6 with Flexfuel capability that accepts conventional unleaded gasoline as well as the environmental friendly alternative E85, a blend of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent unleaded gasoline. It also has 2.4L world engine that incorporates dual variable valve timing (VVT) for a more powerful and efficient ride.

Special Features

The Dodge Stratus has an available Electronic Stability Program (ESP) that helps drivers maintain control of their vehicles even during extreme steering maneuvers as well as traction control that provides better grip of the road during acceleration. It also has improved aerodynamics and structural refinements to reduce noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).

Versions

First Generation (1995-2000)

Being the middle entry of the JA platform, the Dodge Stratus was introduced in 1995 with two models: the SE, which came standard with the 2.0L, straight-4 engine and had the DOHC 2.4L as its option and the ES, which had the standard DOHC 2.4L and had the optional 2.5L V6 engine. The battery of these models were placed in an unusual position which is at the forward of the inside left fender.
Design

These Stratus models had many parts that could be interchangeable between each model. There were even many similarities but with the exteriors like the rear bumper, wheels, taillights, and front fascia being the subtle but main differences. The interiors had more variation though.

Make, Engine, And Special Features

The standard features and available options of these cars were an automatic transmission with four speeds as well as the semiautomatic transmission called “Autostick” which is optional, anti-lock brakes, an independent four wheel suspension that’s double wishbone, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, power windows, power driver's seat, power door locks, leather seats, power antenna, sunroof, a six-CD changer, remote-controlled keyless entry, and excellent system against theft, among others. Also available is a manual transmission, whose engine is 2.0L, with 5 speeds.

Second Generation (2001-2007)

The Dodge Stratus became the last of the surviving Cloud Cars in 2001 with the Cirrus renamed as Sebring and the Breeze discontinued. After Dodge stopped making its coupe, the Avenger, they decided to rename it as the Stratus. This was both a two and a four-door model. The Chrysler version of its new coupe also took the name Sebring despite it being very different from the Sebring sedan.

Make And Design

The Stratus and Sebring sedans for the second generation used a revised version of the Chrysler JA platform named JR. The coupe models with the same names were entirely different, as they were actually based on the Mitsubishi Eclipse. The Stratus name was stopped in May 2006 though.

Safety Features

The Dodge Stratus is equipped with next-generation multi-stage airbags as well as side impact inflatable curtains for protection in case of impact. Its all wheel drive makes driving in all terrains and weather conditions a breeze. It also has a security alarm system and sentry key combat for theft deterrence.

Critical Reviews

The Stratus was often compared to other small, mid-sized cars like the Chevrolet Malibu but it was judged as roomier than the Ford Contour by many magazines such as the Consumer Reports.